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Youth strength and conditioning · Hawthorn East

Strength for young athletes

We coach athletes aged 10 to 18 in small groups at Grouse Strength Studio, and we test everyone when they start and again when they finish. You see both results.

Best results so far
TestTop boyTop girl
Vertical jump+21cm+3cm
Broad jump+35cm+31.5cm
10 m sprint−0.12s−0.25s

Five-day holiday programs · tested on day one and day five

Ben coaching an athlete through a barbell lift

How it works

  1. 01

    Test

    Vertical jump, broad jump and a 10 m sprint in the first session.

  2. 02

    Plan

    We write the program from those numbers and the sport your athlete plays.

  3. 03

    Train

    Every session is coached. Technique first, then load.

  4. 04

    Re-test

    Same three tests in the last session, and you get a written summary.

/ˈsi.su/ · noun · Finnish

The will to keep going when it gets hard, without making a fuss about it.

It's where the name comes from. We test the physical side. Sisu shows up in other ways, like an athlete coming back the week after a bad game and doing the work.

Ben Plowman coaching

Founder

Ben Plowman

I've played basketball most of my life and I still coach it most weekends, at Hawthorn Magic in the VJBL and at Balwyn Blazers, where I've been head coach since 2017. SISU started on that sideline. I kept watching talented kids fade late in games, and more often than not the missing piece was strength and fitness.

I keep my coaching calm and methodical. I'll spot what's off in an athlete's movement before they feel it, and I explain the why, to the kids and to their parents.

Rep 8 is where SISU starts

Ben
  • Founder, SISU
  • Co-owner, Grouse Strength Studio
  • Bachelor of Exercise Science
  • Certified personal trainer
  • Head coach, Hawthorn Magic VJBL
  • Head coach, Balwyn Blazers, since 2017
Josh Chiodo

Co-owner

Josh Chiodo

I train for things with start lines. Mostly ultra marathons and trail races, with lifting alongside, because I reckon training more than one thing keeps you better for longer. I'm a dad, and I've coached people of every age for the better part of a decade.

In a SISU session I want the kids enjoying themselves first. From there it's about exploring what their body can do.

  • Co-owner, SISU
  • Founder, Grouse Strength Studio
  • FMA Level 1 Strength
  • Precision Nutrition Level 1
  • Certificate III in Fitness
Ben high-fiving an athlete Coaching a lift at the rack An athlete training at SISU

Parents · 11 Google reviews

Rated 5.0

“In just a few weeks, Leo's standing long jump improved from 2.12m to 2.40m. Exceeded our expectations. Measurable, consistent, and Leo has loved every session.”
Will · Term S&C
“His speed, jump and strength gains have been significant. Ben has been a diligent and caring coach and always takes the time to explain the training program to parents.”
Blake · Holiday and term S&C
“Ben's coaching is outstanding. Dedicated to reviewing individual movement, performance, and progress. Highly recommended.”
Kimberly · Holiday program

Start with a call

Fifteen minutes on the phone. Tell us about your athlete and we'll tell you where to start.